Prosper The Work Of Our Hands

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and prosper for us the work of our hands—
    O prosper the work of our hands!

Psalm 90:17

 

That word prosper throws a few people from time to time. It does not always mean rich in material assets all of the time. To prosper also means to be successful at whatever endeavor you might undertake. We can prosper spiritually or emotionally or intellectually. To prosper means to be fruitful. As a transitive verb it means to be strong and thrive.

 

Young and a bit older children of God gathered at Zion this past Sunday to help others to live a bit more comfortably. We tied fleece quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The hands of those who were cutting and tied were very fruitful. Many blankets were created in a very short time. The work of our hands is not just for our prosperity; but, in accordance with the will of God to help others as well. For a homeless person or someone who has lost their home to a natural or man-made disaster such small things as warm blankets can make one feel like they are not alone in the world; that someone cares; that they are loved.

 

May God bless the work of our hands that we might be fruitful in all that we do. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hosea 10 - God Brings Forth The Fruit

Israel was doing well. "Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself." (Hosea 10:1 a NIV), but "As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones." (Hosea 10:1b)

Israel did not credit their growth to God. They had become reliant on the work of their own hands and often they gave credit to false idols. God wants them to repent and turn to Him. But, they do not recognize Him or the gifts that He has given them. They will fall.

So often in the church we lift up the good works of others, those who have been busy helping the church to grow. I know that I am often thanked for all the work I do. But, that is very dangerous business. I get a little uncomfortable with talk like this. For it is not we, who grow the church, but the Spirit of Christ who does, working in, through, and all around us. It is not we, but God who should get the glory for all things.

Remember to give Him thanks and praise for the fruit that He provides for us and all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ezekiel 26 - Check the "Aha"; God is Watching You

Consider Tyre, they too laugh at Jerusalem, saying "Aha!" (Ezek 26:2 NIV) They are glad for Jerusalem's fall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. They now have a little less competition. They think that because Jerusalem has fallen, they will now prosper even more. But, they will not be glad for long. God will send this same Nebuchadnezzar to ravage Tyre. They will no longer be the great city that they were.

Consider, again those whom you would laugh at and rejoice over when they fall because you might now have an advantage. Consider your boasting when you prevail over a friend or foe. Does God not hear? Will He come to their aid and take all that you thought you had won away?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 31 - Seek A Virtuous Spouse

As Agur is mentioned in scripture only in Proverbs 30, King Lemuel, whose words, we read in Proverbs 31, also can be found no where else in the Bible. His words, given to him by his mother, are a warning against strong drink by kings, which can (should) be applied to any one who is supposed to be a leader, including those within the church on earth; that is the clergy and Bishops.

The majority of this proverb speaks about choosing a wife and what constitutes a good wife. These words have been given, in many forms, to many a son, by many concerned mothers. "Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink." (Proverbs 31:3-4) 

A good wife will walk beside you and support you. She will not lead you astray so that you might be weakened. She will not lead you off to the bars every week-end, to intoxication, where you will find trouble, maybe even jail or death. A good wife will help you in the business of raising your family, your household. And, I assure you the "partying" in all your spare time will indeed affect your ability to be all that you can be and prosper according to the many gifts that God has given you.

Do not be deceived by the charms of a woman, but seek in your life-long help mate, one who will work lovingly and diligently beside you.

That's the gist of Proverbs 31. Remembering too, that this was written in a time when men were the dominant in society, we need to apply this today to women, as well. Seek a husband, who will support you and walk beside you. Steer clear of those men who will bring you to ruin.

It is good to have someone to share you life with. Seek a virtuous spouse, one who does you good and not evil, one whom you will be able to trust with your future, your life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 28 - Rules Who Pursue Righteousness and Justice For all Wanted!

Proverbs 28 is chock full of wise sayings; sayings worth paying attention to and maybe changing one's life a bit. For example:

"The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." (Prov 28:1 NIV) 
"A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." (Prov 28:7)
"Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their 
     fill of poverty." (Prov 28:19)
"The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper." (Prov 28:25)

The one that strikes home the most this morning is verse 2: "When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order."

I'm thinking that when a country has a strong leader, one that pursues righteousness for all people, one who does not pursue agendas either for the rich or the poor, for the strong or the weak. When a country has leader that will rule with justice for all people, then the people will be united with one another, helping and supporting the whole country in times of need. But, when the leader is weak, doing what is righteous in his own eyes, the people will go in many directions, following various leaders as they look for what is right for themselves, not for all people, and there will be much strife, as the people dispute amongst themselves, who shall be the greatest and who shall be the least.

Just praying for a bit more order in this country, today. There is way too much self-righteousness, where our leaders think they can do no wrong. There are way too many leaders, who lead with their egos, rather than with the discernment and knowledge of the wisdom and the will of God for all people, causing frustration and rebelliousness in the land.

Pray for this country, that the rebellious hearts of her people will be softened towards the needs of one another and of the country as a whole; that her rulers will lead with one heart and mind, trusting in the will of the LORD, so that we might once again prosper.

God's Peace - Pr. J